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Keeping data "in the cloud" is increasingly common and important. It lets you easily access your information from any online computer, and it can greatly simplify collaboration with others. Google Docs, now Google Drive, is a good choice for cloud storage, but sometimes you may find the need to download your files or even to transfer them to another device on a jump drive. This process is easy in Google Drive, and when you download the document, you have multiple options for file types to make compatibility as simple as possible.

1. Insert your jump drive into an available USB port on your computer. If the AutoPlay window appears, you can close it.

2. Access Google Drive and open the file you want to put on your jump drive.

4. Select the file type you prefer. You'll have different options depending on what type of Google document you're viewing. All document types have the "PDF" option, which is a good choice for read-only files since the file will appear identically on other computers, but you won't be able to edit it. Good editable options are ones compatible with productivity software like Microsoft Office or OpenOffice. A good choice for a "Document" file is "Word" or "RTF;" a good choice for a "Spreadsheet" document is "Excel" or "OpenOffice;" a good choice for a "Presentation" document is "Microsoft PowerPoint."

5. Navigate to your jump drive in the window that appears. It will be listed as a drive connected to your computer, such as your "C:" drive and your DVD drive.

6. Click "Save" to put the Google Drive file on your jump drive. Once the save completes, the file will be on the drive and ready for transferring.

Tip

You can also download your file from the main Google Drive file list if you prefer. You only need to check the box beside the file, click the "More" drop-down menu above the file list and select "Download." This option does not always have as many download options, but you can check multiple files to download them all at once in a ZIP file.

About the Author

A lover of technology in all forms, Matt Skaggs began writing professionally in 2010, specializing in Windows computers and Android devices. His writing has appeared on many websites providing a plethora of technology information and tutorials. In 2008 Skaggs graduated from Bob Jones University with a Bachelor of Arts in humanities.